“The big problem is the increase in traffic — this is what they should be focusing on. Then they can really call themselves climate protectors.”
— Lydia Matzka-Saboi, spokeswoman for Global 2000/Friends of the Earth Austria, critical of the impact of Euro ’08 on the environment in Austria. Environmental groups complain that extra road traffic and increased air traffic during Euro ’08 will have a significant impact. Co-host Austria prides itself on its pro-green policies with more than 70 percent of its electricity produced using renewable sources and is seeking corporate sponsors to fund programs to compensate for the 40,000 tons of harmful carbon dioxide emitted by the three-week event in Austria. (Reuters)